IMPROVEMENTS to Stockton Heath Library totalling £170,000 are set to begin in April.

Work to develop a detailed programme and timetable for the Alexandra Road site has been taking place.

However, the scheme has faced delays, with work previously expected to start in March.

The libraries partnership board met at Central Library on Monday.

During the meeting, Eleanor Blackburn, the council’s head of strategic partnerships and commissioning, said work at the village site is due to begin in April, ahead of the opening in July.

She also confirmed Culcheth Working Group has been developing ideas to help shape a business case for a potential new community hub library in Culcheth – at the site of the current library.

“We are tentatively looking at the potential of co-locating the community centre, which is located in a different part of Culcheth,” she added.

“We might be able to sell off that plot of land in order to generate further income.

“We are carefully considering that.”

The board also discussed Culture Warrington and LiveWire’s vision for the building home to the library and museum.

Managing director Emma Hutchinson said: “We have got quite ambitious plans for what we would like this building to be and the services we would like to deliver across the two companies.

“The council, like every other council across the country, have got a challenge on their hands in terms of balancing finances going forward.

“While we have the big plan and ambition in place for the longer term, what we are looking to do in the immediate term is to make some quite quick and easy changes, but not necessary to the physical fabric of the building.

“But, certainly between LiveWire and Culture Warrington, some changes to the customer journey, so the feel of the building when you walk in and making sure we are shouting about the breadth of service available.”

She added that proposals also include Culture Warrington and LiveWire staff working in a ‘more integrated way’.